WESTSIDE CITIES
The Westside is one of the most famous areas to Scout in Los Angeles. Explore popular neighborhoods like Beverly Hills. Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu and Century City.
Filming On The Westside
The Westside of Los Angeles is one of the most popular and film-friendly areas in the city, known for its upscale neighborhoods, iconic coastal views, and cultural landmarks. It includes world-famous locations like Santa Monica, Venice, Westwood, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Century City, Bel-Air, and parts of West Los Angeles and Culver City.
Film Permits on The Westside
West Los Angeles is served by several different film permit offices, depending on the specific location. While FilmLA handles permits for most of the region, including county-managed beaches and unincorporated areas, cities like Culver City, Malibu, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood issue their own film permits through independent offices. State-managed locations, such as certain beaches and parks, fall under the California Film Commission. It’s important to check local jurisdiction boundaries, as permitting authority can vary from one block to the next.
Film Permit Jurisdictions
Caltrans Highways & Freeways (4)
Basic App Fee: $0
*Caltrans does charge a review fee, as well as an inspection fee for complex requests.
(4) business days prior to start.
(12) for requests involving freeway ramps and lane closures.
(16) for requests involving freeway closures.
CFC Film Permit Office
State Parks & Beaches (4)
Basic App Fee: $100
($100/day per park or beach for simple shoots and $250/day per park or beach for complex shoots) and estimated monitor fees.
*Parks charge cost-recovery fees in order to accommodate filming. Except for parking, these fees are collected by the CFC.
The CFC provides its services and permits at no cost.
(4) business days prior to prep or shoot.
(14-30) Some State Parks require 14-30 days advance notice to process applications. Please contact the park before applying.
CFC Film Permit Office
State Buildings & Facilities (4)
Basic App Fee: $0
*Buildings, and Facilities charge cost-recovery fees in order to accommodate filming.
(4) business days prior to start of prep or shoot.
*Certain activities and locations require a much longer lead time and coordination with additional state departments.
Contact the building or facility before applying.
CFC Film Permit Office
LA County Beaches and Harbors (3)
(3) days notice is required for all Film Permit requests.
Film fees are determined by the extent of filming activities, which may require additional personnel fees from other departments or agencies whose approvals and involvement are required.
Mountians Recreation & Conservation Authority (5)
At least one week prior is standard, but applications are accepted within three business days of a shoot for +$336 upon approval. The MRCA Film Office issues filming and photography permits for all parkland managed by the MRCA. This includes open space as well as developed parkland and the Mulholland Overlooks.
Fees are unique to the size and activities of each production. Contact the MRCA for more details.
LA County Fire Department
The Public Safety & Film Unit reviews applications for filming permits, commercial still photography, annual fuel truck inspection and special effects permits. The Public Safety and Film Unit sets requirements and may conduct inspections at filming locations to ensure public safety and compliance with the Fire Code.
LA County Parks & Recreation
All filming at County parks, other than non-commercial photos such as among family members, require a film permit issued by Film LA Inc., the entity authorized by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to process film permits for all County operated facilities. This also includes film projects by students and non-profit organizations.
City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (3)
Basic App Fee: $931.00
Wrap/Clean-up days: $150/day/park
Equipment base camp: $450/day/park
Crew Parking: $100/day/park (1-15 vehicles), $300/day/park (16+ vehicles)
There are 437 parks and 184 recreation centers that the Department manages. There is a power node
located at Griffith Park in the Upper Old Zoo area. Although each park and facility is unique, the step to filming or photography activities is the same.
Research Processing Times, Procedures & Requirements
Film Permit Offices
♦AGOURA HILLS (3)
Basic App Fee: $434
(3) business days prior to start.
(14) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
♦CULVER CITY (3)
Basic App Fee: $931
(3) business days prior to the start of filming activities.
(5-7) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
♦MALIBU (2)
Basic App Fee: $1,510
(2) business days prior to start.
(4) permit fee is $859
Film Permits
WESTLAKE VILLAGE (15)
Basic App Fee: $550
(15) business days prior to start.
Film Permits
♦BEVERLY HILLS (2)
Basic App Fee: $2,000
(2) business days prior to start.
(7) business days to reserve police and/or fire.
Film Permits
♦LOS ANGELES (3)
Basic App Fee: $931
(3) business days prior to start.
(4) business days to Post No-Parking.
(5-7) for requests involving ITC and Road Closures.
Film Permits
♦SANTA MONICA (3)
Basic App Fee: $931
(3) business days prior to start.
(5) for requests involving public right-of-way.
Film Permits
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